WWII medals for Solomon Isl scouts

Family members of former Solomon Islands scouts and coastwatchers have been presented with medallions recognising their vital role in helping allied forces during World War Two.

Parliamentary Secretary for Defence David Feeney presented the first Solomon Islands Scouts and Coastwatchers Medallions ina ceremony in the Solomons capital Honiara on Thursday.

"They provided crucial and decisive support to the Allied victories of Guadalcanal and Tulagi during the Second World War and this new medallion reflects that support and sacrifice," he said in a statement.

During the Guadalcanal campaign in 1942-43, Australian coastwatchers and Solomon scouts observed and reported on Japanese forces and also rescued shot-down airmen.

The medallion recognises that 27 coastwatchers and 20 Solomon Islanders were killed during the war.

It's available to Solomon Islands Scouts and Coastwatchers who served during the Guadalcanal campaign, or a member of their surviving next of kin.